MP + pacesetter header ?s

[chris712vt]

Hey guys, I've been developing a pretty bad exhaust leak for the past two weeks. I noticed around the flanges just after the collector of my 4-1 header that the gasket was getting blackened. So I figured that was the source of my leak and that I needed a new gasket. When I took the header off today, I discovered that all around the inner side of the collector my header wrap was burnt/blackened and crispy. I started unwrapping it and found that the weld running around the top of the collector has a giant crack through it, you can see into the header it's so big!

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(Paul - I saw something you said while reading other header threads just now - having header wrap does make a big difference in containing heat, but it also must trap water and cause rust. Look at that picture and compare the pipes/collector to the flanges or that little thing that sticks out of the side.)

So anyway, I'm searching for a quality product that won't fail like this one, but also trying to find something cheap since I'll be replacing it when I go turbo in another year or so. So far the Pacesetter 4-2-1 header from Modern Performance seems to be the best option.

Does anyone have any experience with this header? In the picture on MP's site, I don't see a flex section - that concerns me (because I think excessive heat at the collector plus vibrations caused the crack in my current one). Any other options for cheap + 4-2-1 + quality?

Thanks,
-Chris

 

[BigRand]

Megan racing is another option...a little more pricey, but quality should be on the up and up.

Whatever you do just make sure that the header to downpipe is connected with a gasket and not the slipover cover type, otherwise you'll just have another leak to deal with.

If I were you I would be looking in the classifieds for some used ones.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

(Paul - I saw something you said while reading other header threads just now - having header wrap does make a big difference in containing heat, but it also must trap water and cause rust. Look at that picture and compare the pipes/collector to the flanges or that little thing that sticks out of the side.)

Was the wrap sealed with high-temp silicone spray? That's where most people's rust problems start...

 

[chris712vt]

Paul - No, I never sprayed any silicone sealant on it. I just wrapped it tight, secured the wrap, and installed it. Is what your talking about the copper colored stuff? I remember seeing one of the 4G63 guys (Dan?) posting pics of his build (2.3L 1G with one of the newer Turbonetics GTK turbos) and his header, flanges, heat wrap, everything had been sprayed with some copper stuff.

BTW, any updates on your manifolds? Cast and tubular. Not that it would do me any good now since my turbo project is still a year or more away (waiting till after I graduate), but having to replace my header now got me thinking about it.

 

[chris712vt]

Randy - Thanks, I'm kind of weary about the classifieds now. I got ripped off by "S_Ranger" last month (sent payment, items never shipped) so I'd be hesitant to pay for someone's used header if it wasn't a local pickup.

Also, I've only seen Megan's 4-1 header design, and it was not a flanged connection. It was the "one pipe slides inside the other" type. If you can let me know where to look I'd appreciate it. But any opinion on the Pacesetter?

 

[chris712vt]

I found the thread I was remembering, and he (project_tsi) stated that it was silicone spray. Do I need to get a specific kind, or what? Advance Auto kind of product, or more like Home Depot?

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[StreetHeat99]

I have the 4-2-1 pace setter header and yeah i had a similar incedent. My collector got a big crack in it and i just cut my pipe and made a new section straight to my converter. Its some parts of the metal on the header that is realy thin and cheap. In my opinion i would save more money and buy better headers, i just modified mine and now they don't leak.

 

[BigRand]

I think you should look on craigslist or on 2gnt.com and before you buy from someone look in the good guy bad guy forum, and ask to see pictures, and only use paypal. (at least if its not sent you can get your money back)

I think if your only using the headers for a year, go with the pacesetters, Just don't wrap the header this time so it last longer.

 

[chris712vt]

Hey guys, I got the Pacesetter from MP. Ordered it on a Friday, showed up at my door on Tuesday.

Anyway, my next question is for any of you that have it or know much about it.

After the first few minutes of running the car the black paint started flaking off of the upper section. Now, after a few days I have probably 10% of the paint remaining on the upper section. I sort of expected this because it's not high-temp paint... My question is is this header made of stainless steal and I can just leave it, or is it prone to rusting now that that paint flaked off? Should I take it back off again and paint it with high temp paint that will hold up and protect it?